A firm which makes equipment for the oil and gas sector is to create 240 new research and development and manufacturing jobs in Scotland.

FMC Technologies said 170 of the posts would be located at its site in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire.

The remaining 70 jobs will be created at its plant in Dunfermline, Fife.

The announcement will see the company's Scottish workforce rise to about 1,000. The expansion is being supported with £2.5m in Scottish government grants.

The cash was delivered through the Regional Selective Assistance scheme administered by the jobs creation agency, Scottish Enterprise.

'Quality workforce'

Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing said: "This decision is testament to the quality and skills of our workforce in engineering and manufacturing.

"Scotland's experience in subsea engineering, drilling and fabrication has seen many companies become vital players throughout the world.

"Investment in this area will continue to sustain innovative companies and thousands of jobs for years to come."

FMC Technologies employs about 12,500 people in 16 countries.

President and chief executive John Gremp said: "Our development of technical capability and talent in Scotland is a result of our continuing relationship with the Scottish government via Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International.

"We now look to our partners in industry and academia to continue to supply talent, not only to our Scottish-based operations, but to our operations globally."